Federal Judge Grants SAF Preliminary Injunction in Cal. Handgun Roster Case

BELLEVUE, WA – A federal judge in California has issued an order granting a preliminary injunction against enforcement of sections of the state’s “Unsafe Handgun Act” (UHA), while denying a preliminary injunction request against other sections of the law, in a Second Amendment Foundation case.

However, Chief Judge Dana M. Sabraw of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California also stayed the ruling pending appeal or further hearing on the matter, whichever occurs first. A telephone conference is scheduled April 14 “at which time the parties shall advise the Court how they wish to proceed.”

SAF is joined in the case by North County Shooting Center, Gunfighter Tactical, the Firearms Policy Coalition, San Diego County Gun Owners, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and several private citizens, including Lana Rae Renna, for whom the case is named. They are represented by attorneys Raymond DiGuiseppe of Southport, N.C., Michael Sousa of San Diego, Calif., and William Sack of Havertown, Pa.

The case, originally filed in late 2020, challenges the requirements of California’s UHA, which includes a codified “roster” of acceptable handguns. The roster limits handgun sales to those models that satisfy numerous testing and safety feature requirements, such as a “chamber loaded indicator” (CLI) and “magazine disconnect mechanism” (MDM) and microstamping, which plaintiffs say are not required in 47 other states. The requirements have essentially prevented the sale of modern up-to-date handguns, as no new models have been added to the roster’s approved list for more than a decade. Meanwhile, the limited number of handguns now on the list continues to shrink because of the testing and safety feature requirements. Read more

Gun Control

KelTec HOT SHOW Programs

MGE Wholesale has announced three Industry Leading KelTec HOT SHOW Programs running Now through April 17th, 2023. These KelTec HOT SHOW Programs coincide with the current $100 Consumer Rebate adding value and substantial savings to both the Dealer and Consumer, while allowing almost three months of consumer pull through.

Firearms

Turkey Hunting Ammo Options: Good and Expensive

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

The turkeys are back!  In my neck of the woods turkeys are numerous – that is until late fall when they perform their disappearing act.  I don’t know why they leave (or, where they go for that matter), but leave they do.  In any event, the generous hunting seasons begin in three weeks.

For most hunters it means shotguns with tight chokes and heavy payloads.  Traditional ammo has been improved immensely over the years.  In the ‘70s copper-plated lead pellets were the go-to choice in shotshells and still work well today.  In fact, the 12-gauge Winchester Long Beard shells in No. 4 to No. 6 shot with its unique buffering was and has been my chosen loads for years never having let me down.  And, I’m talking legitimate 50-yard lethality and beyond.  What more could a hunter desire?

Ammunition manufacturers have stepped up their offerings to include tungsten alloy shot.  In so doing, they’ve also stepped up the cost of drumsticks to some $10 per shot!  That’s right.  One 5-round box of Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS turkey ammunition in 12-gauge, non-toxic tungsten is going for $47.23.  Good thing my friends at Midway USA have marked it down from a list price of a whopping $74.99.  Step right up!  And, no wonder it’s available, too.  I’m wondering if solid gold might be more affordable.

It’s hard to argue with results, however.  Per pellet size, tungsten is heavier than lead and does not deform like lead.  These factors allow manufacturers to fill the hulls with much smaller shot which translates into more shot on target.  The baseline for performance in TSS shot is that 50-percent of the shells’ payload is within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.

To effectively take a gobbler at a given range, a good load of anything must deliver at least 7 pellets in the head and neck region of a turkey; tungsten can do this easily at 40 yards, but how much energy will the tiny pellets produce when they arrives?  That is the question.

On a recent crow hunt, I carried a 12-gauge shotgun afield stoked with traditional 1 1/8-ounce of lead shot in No.9 size.  At one point in the hunt I took 5 crows in 5 shots with the tiny pellets, but some birds needed follow-up shots beyond 40 yards.  The energy simply was not sufficient at moderately long range.

The small pellets will naturally shed velocity quicker than larger pellets; as with any ammunition, there are trade-offs for every variation.  Even though pattern density is impressive for the smaller TSS shot, energy is questionable and may not be sufficient to be ethical beyond 20 yards.

In fact, Bryce Towsley in writing for American Hunter magazine points out the conundrum of the lighter TSS shot relative to turkey hunting.  He states, “My limited experience supports this with the TSS, as turkeys shot at distances beyond 40 yards with No. 9 TSS were not 100 percent kill rate and had to be dispatched.”  In conclusion, he states No. 7 TSS loads would be a better choice, but the best bet is to get closer.

At $6 to $10 per shot, I find TSS ammo cost prohibitive, when less expensive ammo can get the job done in fine fashion.  Availability is still an issue, so make sure to check retailers before assuming they’ll have whatever your preference is.

Ammunition, Hunting

Thousands of large trout stocked in southeast Michigan’s Huron River and Spring Mill Pond

Anyone fishing the Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area or Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area may soon benefit from late-March trout-stocking efforts at these southeast Michigan destinations.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources crews stocked approximately 3,000 adult trout – fish that were retired broodstock from the state’s fish hatcheries.

  • The Huron River, downstream of the Proud Lake Dam, in Oakland County, received approximately 1,200 brown trout and 1,200 rainbow trout, all ranging in sizes from 14 inches to 19 inches.
  • Spring Mill Pond, in Livingston County, received approximately 220 brown trout and 400 rainbow trout, also ranging in size from 14 inches to 19 inches.
  • The DNR also stocked a total of 1,550 yearling rainbow trout at the sites: 900 in the Huron River and 650 in Spring Mill Pond. Anglers should be aware that some portion of these yearlings will be smaller at first than the minimum size limit of 8 inches.

Special regulations apply for anglers interested in targeting these trout: Read more

Fishing

CCRKBA to Congress: “Instead of More Research, Make Schools Hard Targets”

BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has blasted Capitol Hill Democrats for once again pushing legislation to finance “gun violence prevention research” in response to the Nashville tragedy, and instead called on Congress to provide funding to make schools “hard targets.”

“Anti-gun Democrats want to spend $50 million a year for the next five years to finance boondoggle research by the CDC under something called the ‘Gun Violence Prevention Research Act,” noted CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “That $250 million would be far better spent supporting local districts to hire armed school resource officers, improve school building security, and/or provide funding to local police agencies for personnel whose job is to protect schools.

“Democrats want to make it appear they’re doing something by spending a fortune in taxpayers’ money for research by the CDC which,” he continued, “experience tells us will result in recommendations for additional gun control, while not preventing a single crime. Democrats want to sit around for the next five years pontificating about nasty-looking guns while parents, teachers, and local law enforcement want action now.

“Why spend five more years on unproductive research which,” Gottlieb contended, “we all know, will ultimately recommend more research? It translates to job perpetuation for bureaucrats who do nothing while our schools remain vulnerable soft targets. Read more

Gun Control, Self Defense

Untamed Anaconda: SK Customs® First Gun of New Series Now Available

Untamed Anaconda: SK Customs® First Gun of New Series Now Available for Shipping

HAYMARKET, VA – March 31, 2023 – SK Customs® recently announced the first gun in a brand-new series representing the world’s most dangerous predators, the Untamed Anaconda is now shipping for $3,500.

“The Untamed Anaconda Colt collectable includes features never seen before on a firearm,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Representing a variety of intimidating yet fascinating predators, the series begins with one of the world’s largest reptiles. We’re thrilled to finally get these collectables into the hands of SK fans and firearm enthusiasts.”

Discovered deep within the rainforests and river basins of Colombia, Venezuela, Northern Bolivia, and South-Central Brazil, the Anaconda is a powerful predator. All throughout the jungles of South America, the snake wraps itself around its prey, crushing the skeletal system before swallowing it whole. Collectors and firearm enthusiasts can soon get their hands on the Untamed Anaconda, a tribute to this predator that slithers within the riverbeds, marshes, and swamps, going unnoticed until it’s too late. Read more

Firearms

Kahr Firearms Group Announces the Tanker 1911

Built Like A Tank

Greeley, PA: “Built like a tank” is a phrase that has entered the American lexicon as a means to describe hardware that is durable, strong, and nearly indestructible. The term may have originated in describing armored fighting vehicles, but it also clearly describes the 1911. Auto-Ordnance is proud to honor America’s armored warriors with this commemorative 1911, dedicated to the memory of the brave American soldiers who faced the enemy in steel chariots like the M4 Sherman Tanks of World War II. Just like the 1911, these Shermans were a vital part of the war effort. Their crews took them into harm’s way, often outgunned by German tanks, yet achieved victory against the odds.

Each Tanker 1911 slide and frame are customized by Outlaw Ordnance, beginning with the Army O.D. Green Cerakote finish. The iconic white star of the Sherman Tank is engraved on the slide and frame, adding a touch of historical character. The “U.S” logo is engraved on the beautiful, checkered wood grips, providing a natural and elegant look. This all steel, GI style 1911 features a 5” barrel, chambered in .45 ACP. Sights, trigger, grip safety, and controls are the classic GI pattern.

Like the original Sherman, the Tanker 1911 is made in the United States. One seven round magazine is included. Jodi DePorter, Director of Marketing for Kahr Firearms Group, emphasized Auto-Ordnance’s focus on American heritage, stating that “…owning the Tanker 1911 gives the modern shooter the opportunity to own a piece of history, while honoring the memory of the brave tank crews who delivered on America’s promise to achieve final victory in World War II.” Read more

Firearms

St. Louis Campaign Targets Illegal Gun Purchases

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, together with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), announced a month-long public education campaign reminding the Greater St. Louis area public about stiff penalties facing individuals convicted of unlawful firearm purchases. The “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” campaign is in its 23rd year and drives home the message that anyone making an illegal firearm purchase faces a federal felony penalty of up to 15 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. An additional 15 years can be added if the illegal straw purchase is made with the intent of trafficking across state lines. The program is funded in full by the firearm industry and will now also include federal funding allocated to ATF by Congress. St. Louis was chosen for this specific campaign by ATF. Read more

Firearms

FOXPRO Releases Innovative Bowfishing Lights

The FOXPRO Mudcutter Light Kit is the most advanced and user-friendly LED bowfishing light system on the market. The Mudcutter Light Kit allows bowfisherman to customize the light intensity and hue, ranging between 2000K to 6000K, which can be done via the wireless remote control or the hard-wired rheostat.

Depending on water conditions, whether murky or clear, different hues of white light will penetrate better. The Mudcutter is as easy as pressing the on/off button and using the gradual light color change buttons to select your desired hue and the brightness up and down buttons to select your desired light intensity. Instant full white, full amber, and full mixed buttons are also provided for your convenience.

Mudcutter lights are designed to operate two banks from 1 remote. So if an additional kit is purchased, they can both be operated independently from the same remote. Mudcutter lights run on a battery (12V DCOnly) or generator (110V AC / 120V AC). The Mudcutter Light Kit is backed by a 2-year warranty and FOXPRO’s unmatched customer support.

FOXPRO’s new Bowfire was designed to be the most advanced and user-friendly bowfishing light on the market. With its patented 3 colors in one led selection, switching colors has never been easier! Why the need to switch colors quickly? Depending on water conditions, whether murky or clear, different hues of white light will work and penetrate better. With competitor lights, you will need to unscrew the LED modules to change the hue.

The Bowfire is as easy as turning the selector switch to quickly adapt to changing water conditions. The Bowfire gives you 2 on/off methods. The first is a constant on/off for constant light. The second is a momentary on/off, which works better for light-sensitive fish. And the dimmer controls allow you to control the intensity of the light for the best brightness for water conditions. The spot-to-flood feature allows you to adjust the light beam, so whether you are bowfishing from the banks, or on a boat where extended range is needed for fish further away, the Bowfire has you covered. High capacity Lithium Ion battery and charger included for extended run times. The FOXPRO Bowfire is backed by a 3-year LED replacement warranty, a 1-year tail cap and accessories warranty, and FOXPRO’s unmatched customer support. Read more

Fishing, Optics

Lake Erie Continues Historic Run of Excellent Fishing

Lake Erie walleye fishing will once again be exceptional in 2023

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Lake Erie anglers can expect the 2023 fishing season to provide more world-class fishing and lasting memories, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

After another year of strong walleye hatches, Lake Erie maintains its title as the Walleye Capital of the World. Additionally, a stable yellow perch population in Lake Erie’s west zone will provide good fishing in 2023, while low catch rates are expected to continue in the central and east zones.

“Lake Erie is known worldwide as a top fishing destination,” said Travis Hartman, Lake Erie Fisheries Program Administrator for the Division of Wildlife. “With many species to pursue, Lake Erie is again a high-performing destination thanks to science-based management which guides regulations to ensure long-term angling opportunities.”

Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system. Each jurisdiction regulates its catches to comply with annually determined safe harvest levels that ensure sustainability. The most recent quotas were announced on Thursday, March 30. Read more

Fishing
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